?? When to ask for recs ??

[kabtq9s]

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Hey Guys/Gals

This issue has been irritating me for a very long time and I need ur advice on this issue. When is a good time to ask for a Rec letter ?

these are the options that I have heard
1. immediatly after you finish a class and ace it.
But then, What if you have some "major activity" that you will be doing in the future that will greatly impress your recommender, like traveling in a missionary medical trip to Mexico, or what if you did ace that particular class but your GPA is low and you need like a year or two to improve it for a chace or a better rec letter...................should you wait or not ?

2. Do it after your complete all your desired activities and improve your GPA to give your recommender a the best and complete picture of you.

But then they might move, get sick or die "if your prof is old", or simply forget about you after a year or two.

as you see I am very hesitant to persue either opinion .. plz help

 

[ahd929]

i split the difference: i met with the prof right before or after the final exam, knowing that i had the class aced. i told him, "i was wondering if you'd write me a letter. i'll need it in about a year. 9 or 10 months from now, i'll give you a copy of my personal statement, CV, transcripts, and a photo (in case you've forgotten me), and anything else you might need or want."

i did this with about 4 different profs, and only ultimately got letters from 2. because, if you change your mind and decide not to get a letter from a particular prof, what's the harm? he hasn't gone out of his way for you or anything.

 

[boogzaiyo]

i split the difference: i met with the prof right before or after the final exam, knowing that i had the class aced. i told him, "i was wondering if you'd write me a letter. i'll need it in about a year. 9 or 10 months from now, i'll give you a copy of my personal statement, CV, transcripts, and a photo (in case you've forgotten me), and anything else you might need or want."

so you let them know ahead of time and gave them materials early... so that they'll keep in mind that they might have to write a rec in 10 months? or were you assuming that they would do so right away?

 

[Sparky Man]

Hey Guys/Gals

This issue has been irritating me for a very long time and I need ur advice on this issue. When is a good time to ask for a Rec letter ?

these are the options that I have heard
1. immediatly after you finish a class and ace it.
But then, What if you have some "major activity" that you will be doing in the future that will greatly impress your recommender, like traveling in a missionary medical trip to Mexico, or what if you did ace that particular class but your GPA is low and you need like a year or two to improve it for a chace or a better rec letter...................should you wait or not ?

2. Do it after your complete all your desired activities and improve your GPA to give your recommender a the best and complete picture of you.

But then they might move, get sick or die "if your prof is old", or simply forget about you after a year or two.

as you see I am very hesitant to persue either opinion .. plz help

Talk to them about it eary on and continue to make contact. They might prefer to write it early, you never know. It's also good to get a letter from someone who would have no trouble remembering you, like a research advisor. It can be difficult to stand out in a class, even if you 'ace' it. I wish classes were smaller and more personal.

 

[ahd929]

so you let them know ahead of time and gave them materials early... so that they'll keep in mind that they might have to write a rec in 10 months? or were you assuming that they would do so right away?

no, maybe i wasn't clear. initially, all i did was ask them if they'd be willing (i gave them nothing). then, because i maybe didn't need the letter for a long time, i just sort of kept in touch over the months. then, about 2 months before i needed it, i contacted them again and gave them all the materials they would need. that way all my info was up to date.

also, remember that when you ask for a letter, it's a good idea to provide the recommender with specific information - who you are, how you two know each other, for how long, things he might want to mention, etc. - some of the ones who know you well might not need that, but they will all appreciate it. they probably write tons of letters and anything you can do to make it easier on them you should do.

 

[boogzaiyo]

no, maybe i wasn't clear. initially, all i did was ask them if they'd be willing (i gave them nothing). then, because i maybe didn't need the letter for a long time, i just sort of kept in touch over the months. then, about 2 months before i needed it, i contacted them again and gave them all the materials they would need. that way all my info was up to date.

also, remember that when you ask for a letter, it's a good idea to provide the recommender with specific information - who you are, how you two know each other, for how long, things he might want to mention, etc. - some of the ones who know you well might not need that, but they will all appreciate it. they probably write tons of letters and anything you can do to make it easier on them you should do.

that sounds good. thanks 🙂